I prefer fixed power scopes. Had a bushnell 10x that I liked but when it failed on me (even though bushnell supposedly fixed it, i've been scared to mount it up again) I bought a redfield which is a decent scope for the money but I want to pick up another fixed power for my 308. The two main scopes I"m looking at are the Leupold FX-2 6x and the SWFA SS 6x or 10x with the mil/mil adjustments.

Anyone prefer one to the other? I've read good things on the adjustments and clarity of both scopes. Guess I'm looking for which one tends to be a little more rugged (even though I baby my guns)

__________________"No free man shall ever be de-barred the use of arms. The strongest reason for the people to retain their right to keep and bear arms is as a last resort to protect themselves against tyranny in government." -- Thomas Jefferson

Polinese, The Leupold I posted was made for the Score Hunter Class and Varmint-Hunter Class matches which is limited to a 6x . Varmint for Score can use any X scope.

Below is some information

Score Shooting
score shootingIn the sport of Benchrest there are two completely different scoring methods. In group shooting one must put five shots in the smallest group possible. In score shooting each and every shot is scored separately. Therefore, in essence, one could say that score shooting consists of twenty-five one-shot matches at a set distance (100, 200, 300 yards). By this statement we mean that once the shot is fired, and on the target, there is absolutely nothing that can change the score.

A score shooting target consists of 6 targets (a sighter target and 5 record targets) each having rings with a bull and center dot called an "x". The value of the shot is determined by the highest scoring ring touched. If the shot touches the center dot or "x", it is scored a 10X -- the highest possible score. The five record targets are added together to determine the match score -- highest possible score is 50- 5X. The sighter target may have as many shots on it as you need. The five matches are added to determine the day's score -- highest possible score is 250-25X. Since the inception of score shooting, the Varmint for Score class has reached this highest possible score of 250-25X and now records are kept by wipe-outs. A wipe-out is when the center dot or "x" is completely gone. The other classes will do the same once their records reach the 250-25X mark.

The dot that is mention for the 10x score at 100yd is only .060" in dia at 200yd dot is .110" dia you not only have accuracy rifle but scopes to match. The 10 is always easy but the x with 6x that hard.

I have used a 6x by 42 mm Leupold for a long time.Mine has no PA or target knobs,just a standard duplex.Unless they made a change,that duplex is one mil,like the mil-dot,from center to the tip of the heavier crosshair.That is useful for range estimation and some Kentucky windage.

The 42 mm lense provides a 7 mm exit pupil,which means about as good of low light performance as you will get.

The 6x by 36 is an FX2,iirc,and the 6x by 42 mm is the FX3 series.iirc,better lense coating.

I have an SWFA fixed 20x scope on my 30-06. It is mainly a long range rifle for me and I really like the scope for the money. I have seen many of SWFA's scopes on the range, most in the 10x to 16x magnification format, and I've only spoke with one person who's had a problem with the scope. It was sent back to SWFA and they reportedly fixed it. Overall, I think it's a good choice in a fixed power scope.

For the price, it is hard to beat SWFA's Super Sniper scopes.
I use the 20x for F class competition and it works very well.
I think they have 6x, 10x 16x and 20x. I would get a higher power if they made them.

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In this case for fixed and price i'd go SS as well. They're great scopes for the money.

__________________"Combined synergy of a man and rifle is matchless, the steadiness of hand and acuity of vision, and finally the art of knowing how to make the rifle an extension of the body, all equate to the ultimate synthesis of man and machine."

I have used Leuolds for fourty years with complete satisfaction. I have these fixed power scope. 3X, 7.5X, 8X and a 12X with AO and target turrets. I also have a 3x9.

Leupold has a life time warranty on the scope not the life of the purchaser. So, you can buy a used scope an it will still be under warranty. In all my years selling guns, I never saw a Leupold go back for warranty work.

That's where I am , Cliff. I've been using Leupolds forever and have had Burris, Nikonand Redfield also. had a problem with a Nikon and they jerked me around about fixing it, which they finally did. I've pretty much decided it's Leupold from now on b/c I've never heard of someone getting a bad one and have heard nothing but excellent reports about their service.

__________________
"Suppose you were an idiot, and suppose you were a member of Congress, but I repeat myself." Mark Twain

This has been on a couple of African safaris and has never given me the least bit of difficulty; since you mentioned you were " . . . looking for which one tends to be a little more rugged . . . " this may be a good data point.

__________________
To be kind to your enemy is to be cruel to yourself - Sun Tzu

I received this 10X SSM in '99 and it has thousands of round shot and I prefer it to my Leupold 3-10 M3 LR. I remove it for transport and cleaning and it always shoots to the same point the next time I mount it. I don't know if anything has changed in how they are made now but I did hear SWFA changed manufactures at some point in the last ten years.

Cheers
..MJ..

__________________
"Peace is that brief glorious moment in history when everybody stands around reloading"
--Unknown Soldier--
Bravery is being the only one who knows you're afraid.
- David Hackworth -

Currently manufactured SWFA scopes are better than Leupold's - what really stands out to me compared to Leupold is glass clarity, their more expensive scopes are on par with Nightforce. They have a lifetime warranty and their customer service is pretty good, which can also be said for Leupold.

In that price range i agree. Leupold though has re-entered itself in the top of the line optics with their new Mark 4 (locking turret), Mark 6s, and Mark 8s. Of course they also hold the price of S&B, USO, and premier. They made some strides for sure though.

__________________"Combined synergy of a man and rifle is matchless, the steadiness of hand and acuity of vision, and finally the art of knowing how to make the rifle an extension of the body, all equate to the ultimate synthesis of man and machine."

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